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Tuesday, 9 July 2013

Baby Cambridge's Title + Royal Baby Fever Continues...

As Day 9 of Royal baby watch comes to a close, we have some interesting updates to share with you today. Baby Cambridge's royal title made headlines all over the world yesterday, surprising I thought for a couple of reasons; the title had been reported some time ago and it was unexpected to see the press run with the story; even more surprising was how many news agencies and publications incorrectly reported details surrounding the title.

How will be William and Kate's baby be titled?

'His/Her Royal Highness Prince/Princess of Cambridge'

Any further children William and Kate have will be Princes or Princesses of Cambridge too. The children will not be titled 'The Prince/Princess of Cambridge' because Cambridge is a Dukedom, not a principality. The Dukedom was bestowed on Prince William by the Queen on his wedding day.

'It is for the same reason, that Prince William was Prince William of Wales but NOT Prince of Wales, which was his father. British title conventions say that a child takes their father's territorial designation e.g. The Duke of York's daughters are the Princess Beatrice of York and Princess Eugenie of York.'

The Mayor of Cambridge, Councillor Paul Saunders said: "It is a great honour and I'm sure the people of Cambridge will appreciate it greatly. I think it's lovely to continue the close link with the Royal Family. Anything that helps keep Cambridge in the public eye is a good thing as we rely on tourism."

Cambridge/Wikipedia

Earlier this year, we looked at Kate's Titles and Styles and previous holders of the Duchess of Cambridge title. Some of you may recall we discussed Princess Augusta of Hesse-Cassel who married her second cousin Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge in 1818 at Buckingham Palace. They had three children who were titled as:

In 1843, Augusta married the Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz and became Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz; they had two children. Although she spent most of her life in Germany, she remained incredibly close to her family and visited her mother, the Duchess of Cambridge, at her Kensington Palace apartments regularly. She was known for being shrewd, intelligent, and cantankerous in her old. She lived until aged 94.

Wikipedia

Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge married Prince Franz, Duke of Teck. Their eldest child, Princess Mary married Prince George, Duke of York in 1893 who later succeeded to the throne as George V. Mary Adelaide was adored by the people (very much a Diana of her time) and devoted much of her life to charity, serving as patron to Barnardo's and other children's charities.

The Royal Collection

Mary Adelaide is maternal great-grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II and will be the great-great-great-great grandmother to Baby Cambridge!

Mary Adelaide/Wikipedia

So, it was left to George to see the title continue. Prince George of Cambridge was an army officer by profession and served as Commander-in-Chief of the forces (military head of the British Army) from 1856 to 1895. He had become the Duke of Cambridge when his father died in 1850 and Field Marshal in 1862.

Wikipedia

George made no secret of the fact he strongly felt arranged marriages were doomed to failure and in contravention of the 1772 Royal Marriages Act, an of act of the parliament which prescribed the conditions members of the British Royal Family may contract a valid marriage, in order to guard against marriages which could diminish the status of the Royal House.

He married privately at St John's Church, Clerkenwell, London on 8 January 1847 to actress Sarah Fairbrother. As the marriage was contrary to the aforementioned Royal Marriages Act, George's wife was not titled Duchess of Cambridge nor was their son able to succeed the Duke's title's, so that was the end of Princes/Princesses of Cambridge. Until now that is...

Of course the marriage sounded very romantic but it didn't remain that way for long. George had many affairs and was so besotted with one of his mistresses, Mrs. Louisa Beauclerk, he decided he would be buried near her after knowing her for only two years. George and Sarah were deposited in the mausoleum in Kensal Green Cemetery, just sixty feet away from Mrs. Beauclerk.

Wikipedia

George's statue at Whitehall, London.

Wikipedia

I do so enjoy royal history and I hope you enjoyed taking a cursory look at the history of the title too.

************

On the subject of Cambridge, I know many of you were fans of the MaxMara Studio Coat the Duchess wore during the couple's visit to the city.

Due to popular demand the coat is back in stock and has been renamed the Kate Cashmere Coat With Belt. The pale pink, £875 virgin wool and cashmere mix coat features a funnel neck, button fastening and comes with a gorgeous bow belt. It's available in sizes 8-14 at House of Fraser.

Meanwhile, outside St Mary's hospital, royal baby fever has reached fever pitch. Photographers, camera crews and journalists have been camped out awaiting the arrival of Baby Cambridge. Following nine days members of the press have found a way to amuse themselves by attaching signs to the numerous ladders and railings in the press pens.

A closer look at some of the labels. I thought the "please don't feed the photographers" one particularly funny.

James Whatling Twitter Feed/ @royalfocus1 Twitter Feed

Odds for the various bets on William and Kate's baby outside the Lindo Wing.

@SkyNewsRoyal Twitter Feed

And royal reporters Paul Harrison and Tim Ewart enjoying some friendly banter over the best spots outside the hospital :)

@SkyNewsRoyal Twitter Feed

Inside St Mary's London artist Julian Opie's new art installations commissioned for the Lindo Wing have been completed. No doubt Kate will notice the artwork as she enters the wing to deliver her baby.

@MaxFosterCNN Twitter Feed

Opie said his art, which shows moving people, was not to calm expectant mothers which was "patronizing" but rather to "enliven".

@MaxFosterCNN Twitter Feed

And finally, congratulations to Zara Philipps and Mike Tindall who are expecting their first child! It will be lovely for Baby Cambridge to have a cousin its own age. What a wonderful year for the Royal Family!

Hmmmm very retro. It's nice as far as art is concerned but during those last few moments of giving birth I would prefer calming. Most moms will probably not even notice the art work on the walls. Breathe just breathe, steady on. I am glad the designer had work though.

Charlotte you are so sweet. I have a feeling you are keeping busy on pure nerves. I love this post ! I so enjoy Royal history. It is so interesting. I have been going through a lot of old pictures like these from my husbands father, and my family have many too. I so enjoy preserving them for future generations.The photographers tags are so cute. They must really be bored just hanging out waiting waiting waiting waiting waiting ha ha ha.Prayers for William, Kate and baby. Still hoping for July fourteenth (boy) but will be thrilled with a happy and healthy delivery :)

Sarah, loved the pictures you sent me. So cool to have such treasures! I am big on photography and recording for future generations. Your kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, etc. will be s blessed to have them one day!

Dreamed last night that Catherine had a baby boy---woke up sure that I had heard it on the radio.Can you imagine having to drive past all those photographers whilst in labour? Perhaps she will be admitted in the night and they will all be asleep.

i think i read that there is a side garage entrance that her car will enter by, so she won't have to worry about flash photography during contractions - talk about really bad timing for putting on your public face!

Charlotte, thank you so much for this informative post. I always enjoy reading about British history.

I guess the photographers are going a little crazy and I can't blame them. Imagine camping out and not knowing whether Kate will be admitted in one hour, one day, or one week later. (We're just clicking on "refresh". LOL.)

Interesting that the name "Diana" isn't on the list...although Frances (her middle name) is.

Thank you so much royalfan! I must admit I do hope it is sooner rather than later. We definitely got prepared for it too early. Many of you will know the press were told William was due on July 1st but arrived ten days earlier. We thought it would be a similar scenario with Baby Cambridge but clearly not.

I didn't start the blog until after the wedding so it's the first *huge* milestone I'll be covering on the blog and I'd love to be able to do it in real time if at all possible. It's a good time of the year though, when the pregnancy was announced I was in the middle of a full day of exams :)

Charlotte, I was absolutely convinced that history would repeat itself and Baby C would be born earlier than the mid-July date that was put out there. Perhaps the baby WAS due earlier and has decided to keep EVERYONE waiting. :)

Since I am old enough to remember William being introduced to the world on the steps of St Mary's, I must admit it feels a bit surreal to wait for William and Kate to do the same with their newborn. And then the anticipation of the first official photos...and the christening, etc. It's beyond exciting!

Royalfan, I have been thinking the same thing. I remember watching all the news reports of William's birth and seeing Charles and Diana introduce him to the world. I can also remember saying to my mom that Diana looked much better at her wedding than in the green dress....out of the mouth of a child. :-) Also wondering if William and Kate will take the time to buckle the baby in a car seat or will she hold him/her like Diana did (such a silly thought). Can't wait for the introduction to the Cambridge family and especially seeing pictures from the christening!!!

Kate, that is not a silly thought about the car seat. I have seen numerous videos of the Royal family getting into cars then, take off and no seat belt. I winced because of Diana's accident. I was hoping they get away from the camera then buckle up. It is against the law in CA. not to have your safety belt on. Oh dear.....

How funny I said the same thing to my mum. Hospitals in the uk don't allow you to leave the hospital unless baby is in a car seat, and strapped in too!! I wonder what they will do? I rather liked the outfit diana wore with William, casual and fitting for the occasion the one for harry was more dressier but lacked that informal look that is lovely to have after a baby. Bella uk.

Thank you for the quick reply. What I was trying to ask was if the baby will be a Princess or Prince, doesn't a Princess or Prince outrank a Duchess? (I guess I am imagining a precocious terrible two who says "I don't have to listen to you Mummy. I outrank you").

Thanks so much for your insight. I think Kate is doing a terrific job and you are doing a wonderful job keeping us apprised of her world.

Oh, I have wondered the same thing. Since Kate is not a born-princess....

Here's another question I have: Let's say, Kate is at a function with her toddler child (HRH, insert name, Prince/Princess of Cambridge), without William and they run into Eugenie/Beatrice. Kate will have to curtsy to Eugenie/Beatrice, but do they in turn, have to curtsy to the child? How does that work?

Catherine is a princess by marriage -- all royal duchesses are. That is why she is styled "Her Royal Highness" and why one of her titles is "Princess William". It is actually of higher status -- a greater honor -- to be Duke and Duchess of Cambridge than to be merely Prince and Princess William, since the ducal title added a peerage to the princely title and meant that William was no longer a commoner. (Yes, a prince can be a commoner. Only the monarch and the peers are not.) This is the one situation in which it's better to be a duchess than a princess.

It's true that Catherine is not a princess by birth (which is why she cannot be called "Princess Catherine, and that her son or daughter WILL be royal by birth. However, these technicalities of rank are NOT going to matter while the child is still a child. NO one, in fact, is going to be curtseying to this child or even calling him/her "Your Royal Highness," I am quite sure. William and Harry were called William and Harry (with no bowing or curtseying involved) even by staff, per their parents' wish.

My guess is that the only time anyone will see Catherine curtseying to her firstborn will be on the occasion of the child's accession to the throne, perhaps on the day of his or her coronation -- a distant future event. Queen Elizabeth's coronation was probably the only occasion on which her mother, the late Queen Mother, curtseyed to her.

Kate must be having at least weekly checks now, so I bet her obstetrician has told her that nothing's going to happen for a few days, hence William feeling ok to make a plan for the 14th. There's a way to score readiness (called the Bishop score, haha!). Not that surprises don't happen too. It's not good for baby's to be early, but nor is it healthy to go more than a very few days over. I keep checking Twitter, since I won't get the 41 gun salute in LA!

My sister-in-law's first child was almost a month late. If the Cambridge due date really is the 13th, then we could easily not see the arrival of this baby until close to the end of the month or even after the beginning of August.

I am checking your blog like a crazy woman and it's so rewarding to find these little surprise posts! Thank-you, Charlotte for being so generous with your time and thoughtful with your posts!

I mostly wanted to say thanks, but seeing the item about the coat: I've always wondered why people thought wearing the bow belt upside down was an indicator that Kate might be pregnant. Do you know why?

Love the history and the details and the clothes and the surprise. Thanks!

thanks for another great post, charlotte. i thought you would be taking a break now before the baby arrives. i am quite selfishly glad you are not though :)you are amazing.i enjoy a bit of royal history a lot. i'd love to see more of it (just sayin). i'm actually from Mecklenburg so you mentioning Augusta of Mecklenburg-Strelitz made me smile. My cousin is just looking for a wedding venue and I was quite amazed as to how many castles are actually around here (SO many)and to find out who they belonged to. so funny i now stumble upon one of them in your posts. Anyway it is hot and sunny here in Mecklenburg and i hope you are all enjoying the summer as much as i am :)

Hello Charlotte- Another great post. I love the history of the Cambridge name and title.

I just pray for a speedy & safe delivery for the duchess and that William make's the delivery in time if he is in Anglesey. Also for a very heathly baby (girl). Let's hope the Duchess deliveries in the next few days. I bet she & William are just beside themselves with excitment awaiting the birth of their bundle of job.

Holy cow, a polo match? Are you serious? 95 miles from London...that would make me nervous. Thinking you might be right with Baby C coming later. Prince Phillip was playing squash when Charles was born. Hoping that William's not playing polo when Baby C arrives. :-(

@Kate- I agree with you that being 95 miles away is not a good thing. I just hope for the sake of his Duchess that he does not miss the birth because he was playing polo or working for that matter. I bet she would be one very upset wife.

Thanks for the lovely history lesson. I've read that Charlotte is favored in the betting pools if it's a princess. Great choice, British bettors! Saw that Charles is expected to reign as George VII because of unpleasant history with other kings of his first name. If so, I hope they choose a name other than George if it's a prince. I wonder if the gossip that Carole Middleton said the baby would be born under the sign of Leo is true after all. That means quite a wait . Butterflies!

I'd be surprised if Charlotte were chosen. The last Princess Charlotte who was heir to the British throne died tragically in childbirth at a young age. She was the only (legitimate) child of King George IV.

As for Charles, we actually don't know what regnal name he will choose. Charles I may have been dethroned and executed, but Charles II has a popular modern reputation as the Restoration monarch. Moreover, Charles has been known as Charles for so long that no one will ever think of him as anything else. I think it would be rather silly for him to use George.

Thanks for the interesting history. There have been several reports and it's now all over the entertainment media that William and Kate will take Baby Cambridge on a tour of Australia and New Zealand in the spring 2014. I haven't read a source but some fairly reputable media sources have the story. Really interesting if it's true and even more so in light of the ridicule that's been directed at Kate's "maternity leave" announcement (with critics asking - honestly - leave from what???). And that time frame would be pretty much in line with the reports that she's taking 6-7 months off. January or February would still be summer in the southern hemisphere AND a working trip then would help the Palace PR machine spin the usual mid-winter monthlong jaunt to Mustique.

Oh how much I would be looking forward to another royal tour of this lovely couple beeing a trio at that time then! But wouldn't New Zealand and Australia be a bit too heavy for a baby aid six or seven months? How often did members of the royal family go on tour with a newborn at home or taken with them? As I am from Germany I just can't appraise if that would be a common decision. And do full time royals go on tour annually?thank you, Charlotte for the history, which is always among my favourite posts! I hope you don't have to divide your time between a stressful time at university, learning for exams, and the work on this blog. Enjoying the lovely summer and waiting for the big news without a bad conscience would be the best to do :)and thank for the regular posts. I too expected you to do maybe one a week. thank you for your work!

Just heard a report here in the States that Carole Middleton said the due date is later July. Guess we have to wait for a few weeks yet. Darn I was getting so excited yet I feel so bad for Kate with the eyes of the world on her. Love this blog..only source of event info. Someone to share with...Thank you!

Hi charlootte i think its too late that we expected im really looking on the twitter feeds every second and every minute love article what would the duchess of cambridge rank how btw zara and mike baby will be private its good to know they will zara mom stripped down their tittle so that would be private being

"Please don't feed the photographers" is the best funny message :))Are they playing hopscotch in the Skynewsroyal picture????That is another cute image. Even I dont' quite like the artwork images in the hospital,,they look more suited to a subway station IMO.Charlotte, are you getting any sleep in the middle of all the excitement?Thank you so much chica!!xoxo

Oh Charlotte....waiting, waiting, waiting. Wonder how much sleep is going on across the pond? :-) I am thinking a baby girl on July 15...Princess Elizabeth of Cambridge...future Elizabeth III. Sorry Sarah! I know you want a boy on the 14th....LOL!!! My son's birthday is July 22, but let's hope we aren't waiting until then!!! I thought the press notes were hilarious! Business must be booming for the take-out around the corner from the hospital. Once Baby C arrives and the reporters have their story, I foresee alot of celebrating in the pubs. :) Not to be too graphic, but if Kate is ready and William is home, Dr. Setchell can strip Kate's membranes to get things going. My dr did that with my first. It was painful, but worked. I would think if William is working this week trying to accumulate hours, nothing would be "stirred up" from her weekly appointment. Hoping she is resting up during this quiet time. Quiet time for her while the world is going mad and losing sleep...LOL!!!

Thank you SO much for this wonderful post! I LOVE Royal history and learning new tidbits. I snapped a picture of George when walking down Whitehall, so it's good to hear the history behind it. I LOVE the photos also. You put so much work and effort into giving us the best posts! Thank you!!!! :-)

On another note, I love the picture you posted from the wedding. I love William looking after his bride. Also, Cosmati Pavement at Westminster is absolutely amazing! So beautiful!

Back to waiting for sweet Baby C.... I check my phone constantly during the day, but still can't post from it for some reason. Hoping you are getting some sleep Charlotte!!!!

Charlotte, you are such a professional! I have been following your blog since it got started and enjoy reading your posts. Thank you for all the time and effort you invest to make this the best blog on Duchess Kate.

I hope Kate is doing OK - this heat is unbearable and sleeping in it isn't pleasant at all! I was supposed to be in hospital from last Friday so am relieved I'm not and also don't want to miss Baby Cambridge!

Very interesting post Charlotte. I wondered what will happen in the very distant future when William becomes King and his daughter or son is first in line to the throne. Traditionally, the first in line is invested as Prince or now, presumably, Princess of Wales, so would the Prince/Princess of Cambridge be known by that title too, or would the Prince/Princess of Wales title supercede it? As a Welsh girl, I am very interested in this!

Charlotte I was wondering if you are with the press outside the hospital? That William has a polo match on the weekend remindet me of an interview.. In a interview Diana said Charles was busy playing polo while she was in labor but he finally took some time to get of his pony and go to her.

I have been thinking the last few days that maybe the due date may not have been calculated correctly and it will be even later than we all expected. Oh well now all we can do is wait, wait!Hope baby and mom are both healthy and I'm sure both William and Kate are so excited and just waiting like the rest of us! Wonder how long we will have to wait after the birth to find out the names for baby Cambridge.Thanks again Charlotte for a great post as always.

Thank you Charlotte for such an interesting post! I'm really into history and especially enjoy some royal history!

I'm getting so excited! Not only am I waiting for Baby Cambridge, but a friend of mine is pregnant as well and due in 3 weeks, so I'm on double baby watch! Checking my phone constantly, everytime it rings I'm going crazy! :-D

Thank you Charlotte for your hard work keeping us all informed!

Just one quick question before I resume preparing for my exams: does the Baby Cambridge Fundraiser shop also ship to Germany? If yes, how much is it? There are some pieces I just need to purchase! :-D

Best wishes & of course wishing Kate a speedy delivery and a happy and healthy baby! :-)

I'm getting a little anxious here! :) I have this feeling that it's going to be next week. Anyway, while we wait, thank you so much Charlotte, for this interesting and informative post. I love History. And it's very funny all the excitment outside St Mary's.See you soon!Hugs from Portugal.Z.

the baby hasnt been born yet and its already screwing with the media loli am glad the reporters are at least having fun! i wonder how they are dealing with the "heat"? i use "" because i am from maryland USA and we know heat lol

Charlotte I can't wait to read about the birth of Baby Cambridge on your amazing blog! Sorry you've probably been asked this question before but I was wondering where the July 13th due date rumour(or indeed maybe not a rumour)came from?

I was still suffering from "morning sickness" at my due date so didn't feel the excitement of the arrival of my first, last and only child, a daughter, but I am on pins and needles for the royal baby. I am a nervous wreck and have my iPhone set to receive news alerts from every possible news source. This is just so exciting!

Thank you Charlotte for all the information you provide. It really has helped a novice to royal watching catch up on a few things and now I am excited for Zara's baby too.

Robin Indiana USACharlotte I just love when you have a post that is filled with British History! You have rekindled my love for history especially British Royal History. Thank you. The media pool is getting quite funny I must say. When the event actually happens they really will be falling all over everyone! The baby has decided not to come out and greet the world yet it likes mommys tummy. My first born decided to come late. They started to lightly induce on Dec 15 and she was born on Jan 11. My due date was Dec 25. She reminds me all the time how she wanted to stay in my warm tummy. Lets hope baby C wants to come out for I can't stand the waiting! I'll keep checking back Charlotte for any more interesting posts while we wait. Bye from rainy constant rainy Indiana!!

Wow it is just amazing to see so many interesting and kind comments. I love the sense of community on the blog and the number of you sharing your excitement through the comments, social media and via emails. I want to answer some of the questions asked in comments here and will reply to them here!

Firstly, It's lovely to see the interest in British royal history, it is a fascinating subject and I love the opportunity to explore it a little on the blog (and it keeps me busy while we're waiting on Baby Cambridge)

It is possible the polo match is something of a decoy, it's just over an hours drive on the motorway so whatever happens William will not be missing the birth. The July 13th date was never confirmed, the only official confirmation from the Palace was "mid-July" and Kate herself said "around mid-July but babies have their own agenda".

I'm not with the press myself unfortunately, but the photographers and journalists are doing a great job of sharing the atmosphere on twitter with their photos.

As for titles, a Duke is the highest-ranking hereditary title in all four peerages of the British Isles. Historically a Duke is a nobleman of the highest rank below the rank of King or Queen.

As for Pippa, she's not engaged, it's merely a rumour doing the rounds at the moment.

For the lady who asked about Zazzle shipping costs - if you use Zazzle's Germany site it will save a considerable amount on shipping costs :) http://www.zazzle.de/babycambridge

There is a list of all the international sites here http://www.zazzle.com/international

On another note, there's quite a lot of talk regarding a Spring 2014 tour to Australia and New Zealand at the moment. I'll try to find out a little more about it, however I do hope it's true. I do love a royal tour :)

-An astrology blog I found stated that this July there is an astrological phenomenon which hasn't occurred for over 70 years. It heralds the birth of an important world figure(!). Maybe they mean a future king or queen?

-I was thinking how overwhelming it must have been for past royals before modern medicine made having children safer. George III had 12 children but no living grandchildren, except for finally Victoria. Lots of children dying young-heartbreaking!

-Hopefully, William won't have any trouble reaching Kate in time should he be at work or at polo when she goes into labour.

I've noticed that Kate seems prepared to give William a lot of personal "space". Obviously something she has learned over the years they've been together. Look at how skillfully she handled the 2007 break up.

I wonder if William is sensitive to being emotionally overwhelmed by the women in his life because Princess Diana was under such pressure and often unhappy, looking to William for support which he might have been too young to provide.

This isn't meant to disparage Princess Diana. She created a modern role where there wasn't one with precious little help and significant hindrance.

-Taking Baby C. on a royal tour-they might try it again. I don't think Diana tried it again after taking William to Australia when he was 9 months old. I read somewhere that it was very difficult logistically and hard on William so they didn't do it again.

Canadian Friend,George III had several grandchildren, but mostly from forms of marriage which contravened the Royal Marriage Act.His son--later William IV had 10 children from his "marriage" to Dorothea Jordan, an actress, but those from his legal marriage all died.However besides Charlotte (who died in childbirth) and Victoria, there was a grandson from a younger son who became Prince of Hanover---which because of Salic Law there Victoria could not inherit.I think one of his daughters who married a German Prince had a live child too, but can't remember which one

Many thanks for your great comments, Jean. Even as I was posting, I was thinking I should have qualified my comments as I knew there were grandchildren/children from relationships that weren't recognized.

If you're interested, there is a well done movie called "Young Victoria" which is now on video. It was made several years ago. It stars Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend. It deals with the several years on both sides of Victoria's ascension, focusing on how she met and married Albert.

Thanks for the info on the Prince of Hanover. There is a scene in the movie where Victoria has to dance with a German prince. I wondered who that might be but think you've explained it for me.

I love the name Victoria and I think it would be a lovely choice. Alexandra is very nice too.

Of course I would LOVE to see Diana as one of the names, but somehow I doubt they will make it the first name. It may not be "politically correct" within the royal firm and it would put an extra burden on a child with all the comparisons to be made, etc.

But am I secretly hoping for a little girl who would resemble Diana and remind some people of her on a daily basis? Absolutely!!! ;)

I think it would be unfortunate to resemble Diana and "remind people of her on a daily basis". That would just as great a burden as being called Diana. Moreover, Diana had her quite negative aspects. I really wouldn't want to be compared with her. She certainly wasn't queen regnant material, whereas this baby, if a girl, must be.

I hope this child looks mostly like no one but herself (or himself) and that the parents are sensible enough to endow their firstborn with a first name that won't provoke endless, lifelong comparisons to this or that person. That would be the smartest, fairest thing to do, given that the child will always be living life in the public eye which will be onerous enough as it is.

ok, this has been bugging me for a while, so i'll just lay it out to all of you:does anyone else think it was really strange kate didn't attend the garter ceremony (*2 days* after the trooping ceremony, and at windsor! well within her "safe zone") and decide to take a full month off before the birth? diana attended events, incl polo matches, up until a few days before she gave birth. i fear this feeds into the theory that she is work-shy. at the very least it looks like some anachronistic throw-back to a time when royal women secluded themselves in their "confinement" to their palaces, and were not seen for a month before and after.

i saw an editorial in the telegraph asking kate to be a modern role model for working mothers, and this strange "confinement" she is in certainly doesn't seem modern or role-model-ish to me.

Diana's last official engagement was 5/18/1982, just over a month before William's birth. (After that, she did attend polo matches but I believe that comes down to personal choice/circumstances.)

Kate's last official engagement was 6/15/2013, with the baby expected mid-July. I don't think this equates to Kate "confining" herself. And considering the frenzy building over the birth of Baby C, I could see the couple (William in particular since he is very protective of Kate) choosing NOT to make it a field day for photographers.

And if she spent Father's Day with her Father and didn't attend the Garter ceremony (where a lot of standing is involved and the girl can't where flip-flops and a maxi-dress), kudos to her. In my mind, that makes her a modern young woman, and not one who is hiding in the tower.

Final note...I would LOVE to see another young woman handle her pregnancy as graciously and elegantly as Kate has conducted herself during the last nine months. And the choices I speak of don't require money. I'm talking about class.

Alpa: Why do you want to compare Diana & Catherine? They are two very different people and we do not know the reason why Catherine did not attend the Trooping ceremony. If the Queen wanted Catherine there she would have been there. We also do not know that her doctors told her to take off the time before the birth. This does not feed into the theory that she is work shy. It is only you that thinks she is work shy. If you have been reading the blog for any time you would know that Charlotte has asked that this topic be off limits. Also fo ryou information Catherine did 122 engagements last year and she was not even a full time working royal. And she still is not a full time working royal.

So what if Catherine decides to take off 6 to 7 months and bond with her baby. There is nothing wrong with that. This beautiful couple are a modern couple and do what is best for themselves. But I don't think she will really take that much time off. I think she will do engagements with William.

I disagree with you about Catherine not being a role model. What does she need to do to make her a role model? The people of England love her and William and think that both of them a great role models for the younger people.

@royalfan- I totally agree with you. Well stated. I bet William does not want her out & about this close to her do date because of the media circus, and we all know how protective he is of her. And will be with their baby too. I would love to see another woamn handle the things that the Duchess has to go through. I don't think there is anybody who could handle the circus around her life as well as our girl does.

There really isn't anything for non-Garter members to do but stand around -- literally -- and observe the procession. A heavily pregnant woman might well feel quite uncomfortable in those circumstances. I really can't imagine why anyone would think it odd that the Duchess did not appear.

Hello, all! Charlotte, I absolutely love the little tidbits of Royal history that you throw our way, I really learn things from this blog and usually end up so interested that I research further! With respect to the delivery date, I am starting to wonder if Carole Middleton has it right when she said the baby will be a Leo. Wouldn't it be funny if Their Royal Highnesses pulled a "reverse Diana" and gave us an early date, hoping that weeks later we'd all be exhausted of waiting and they could slip in and have the baby quietly? Lol! Thanks for all the great information, I am still checking several times a day for updates and on pins and needles! Xoxo to all! Kim from Arizona

Love the post. I think the media created the date and babies have their own agenda leaves it wide open it could be later this month. The 29th has stuck with me for days now. I hope if anything at all Katevis having a jolly good giggle at the press.Jackie USA

Thanks for the again lovely post, Charlotte! Time gets longer and longer as we are waiting for baby Cambridge. Its so nice of you to fill it with interesting facts about history and all. Still, my sister insists that the first due date she heard of concerning Kate´s and William´s baby was the 24th / 25th of July. She is so sure because her colleague at work had the same due date for her baby (which was a few weeks early and was born two weeks ago). So Jackie, the 29th would not be that far away... Though it is very far away for all of us waiting ;)I am checking your blog every few hours, Charlotte. It´s the best British royal blog ever!Greetings from Germany! Anja

Robin Indiana USADeAnn I totally agree with a girl and the name Adelaide is a cute one William and Kate could suprise us with that name. At this point in time were all going stir crazy for a baby boy or girl!

Another fantastic post, Charlotte! So many online agencies are putting fluff pieces re: the Duke & Duchess their sites while they await the birth. Thank you for having posts that are always interesting!

What a great bit of Cambridge history. Knowing that the last Cambridges were George and Mary, makes those names seem less likely. Although the lad brokers have them near the top of the list. I wish all of the recent articles regarding the duchess contained so much information.

Charlotte so glad to have this site. Hubby thinks Ive gone mad but I am loving this! I keep checking your site waiting but now convinced another week at least. I am betting on a girl and thinking Elizabeth, Carole and hopefully Diana will be put in somewhere. Haven't even thought about a boy's name but I am sure Charles; Michael and Phillip would be one of the names. I too applaud Kate for her tremendous poise.

Good Morning Ms. Charlotte- Do you know if it is just a rumor or if it is fact that William paid a"private" visit to his grandparents on July 4th. Some news outlet say yes others are saying he was at work.

And why would he pay a "private" visit to his grandparents this close to the birth of his baby?

Robin Indiana USAPauline I love your post but a question. How do you get your information? Do you subscribe to different British news outlets? How can I find out information about the palace circular I think that is what I am looking for. If wrong correct me. Thanks Pauline. Robin

Pauline, I'm not sure why you are concerned about William visiting his grandparents this close to the birth of his baby. Maybe I don't understand... I would imagine that he visits them regularly for both personal and "business-related" reasons.

I think Kate is a modern woman who does not need a husband holding her hand. Childbirth is a part of life and life goes on. One visits relatives, one plays polo and one shops. The royals are normal humans who do normal things. It is common to visit relatives, his grandfather has an illness he is recovering from. I also think he has to clear the name they name the baby by them. He may be negotiating a name that requires face to face pleading

@Robin Indiana USA- No I do not subscribe to any news outlets. I jsut put William's name Prince William in my search engine and up comes all these articles. And as we know most of them are not true. That is why I always ask Charlotte because she is in England so she would know if they are true or not.

@royalfan- I am not concerned about William's visit to see his grandparents. I was just wondering why they posted saying it was a "private meeting". It make's it sound like something is going on. Nothing more.

@Anonymous 06:02- Yes the Duchess is a mondern woman but I bet you any odds she does not want to go into labor without William by her side. I would say most women would not like it either. And if you would have read my comment to royalfan you would have seen what I wrote. And I think you are incorrect that William & his Duchess has to clear the name for their baby with the Queen. Maybe MS. Charlotte can say if William & his Duchess need's to clear the baby's name with the Queen that way we would know for sure.

Charlotte so can you help us out with this one. Does William & his Duchess need to clear their baby's name with the Queen?

Hi Charlotte and wonderful blog readers. I was listening to the radio today and there was part of a programme about welsh weaving. What was described a welsh nursing shawl. I wonder if Kate will be sent one of these for the baby? I reckon next week with the baby because she was about 8 weeks when she went to hospital. I looked through some of your old posts Charlotte and Kate does look slightly queasy early on in November.

Having looked through your early posts I am in awe at the amount of top quality work you have produced for us. Thank you. Donna

OK, so I just saw the boards with the bet on names and saw ALICE. I hope they choose another name :/ I plan on naming my baby girl ALICIA and if Kate's baby is ALICE I fear a million Alicias will pop everywhere too :p (I'm not even pregnant, or plan on being for a couple of years, LOL! )

Hi charlotte why my comment to publish i have enter before are their july 13 is a rumour only its hard waiting for game..there rumour that william will play polo this sunday .... so i guess the duchess will not going to labour oh its to see the middletons out again once more time zara first public outing since annoucing pregancy

Charlotte, thank you for the top-notch job you do on your blog. I'm always checking to see if there's any news on the royal birth, since I know you will keep us up-to-date. I also love the sense of community here! Personally, I hope they name her Victoria. ;)

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